Leading causes of residential fires in Atlanta and how to avoid them

When you own a home, there are numerous threats to consider. Fire is foremost among them, as it can occur in various places and at any time. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated an incredible $8.9 billion in property damage throughout the United States as a result of residential fires in 2021. In the same year, there were more than 350,000 recorded fires. Luckily, there are actions you can take to keep them from arising|. Take a look at the causes and how to prevent house fires in Atlanta.

What sparks residential fires in Atlanta?

Fires can start in any location and without notice, whether ignited by a smoldering cigarette in a garbage can or an unattended stovetop. Here are the most common causes of residential fires.

• Cooking: Kitchen flare-ups are the most widespread kinds of residential fires in Atlanta and all other areas. Ignored stovetops are the chief origin, so always watch that smoking skillet when making dinner. It’s also worth nothing that throwing water on a grease fire will only make things worse.
• Heating: Portable heaters are well known for causing residential fires. Running them for extended time periods can cause internal components to degrade and spark. Placing heaters next to combustible textiles like bed sheets and drapery or using worn cords may also lead to disaster. Other heating devices, such as fireplaces and furnaces, may cause fires and need to be inspected regularly.
• Electrical: Outdated wiring, defective outlets, and overloaded extension cords are several of the ways electrical complications cause fires. Don’t operate an appliance with a frayed cord, and make sure flammable objects like paper aren’t put on top of a lampshade, get it investigated promptly.
• Candles: Wherever there's a flame, there's a chance of fire. Residential fires caused by candles are still all too common and usually result from people being careless. Placing candles too close to ignitable objects like drapery or keeping them within the domain of an inquisitive pet will often produce disastrous results.
• Smoking: In spite of the overall reduction in smoking across the nation, it’s still an undeniable fire hazard. The U.S. Fire Administration approximated that 7,800 residential fires were started by smoking in 2021. Nodding off while holding a cigarette or prematurely throwing out smoldering ashes can cause devastating results.

The most effective way to prevent house fires in Atlanta is to steer clear of reckless behavior. Always pay attention when cooking, don’t leave a candle burning, and properly get rid of cigarettes. If you need to run a space heater, do so infrequently and get one that includes an automatic shut-off feature in the event it tips over.

Safeguard your home with a monitored fire alarm in Atlanta

You should have smoke detectors on all floors and more next to sleeping quarters. But you can take your safety to a new level with a monitored fire alarm. These beneficial safety devices will not only recognize smoke but can also trigger due to extreme heat. Furthermore, considering they integrate into your modern smart home, they’ll warn you and your monitoring representatives whenever a crisis occurs. This is a notable feature, particularly when you’re not around to hear the alarm and contact the fire department.

Protect against common risks with a Vivint smart home in Atlanta

Enhance the protection of your residence today with a Vivint smart home. You can custom design our systems with monitored fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and water sensors. You’ll be appreciative of the instant notifications to your mobile device and the peace of mind that you get with professional monitoring. Contact (404) 905-1132 to talk with a Vivint representative.